We wrap up all the winners from our AFLW Best & Fairest Awards.

Best and Fairest, and Runner Up

Emily Bates capped off a standout season which saw her claim the AFL Women’s Best & Fairest, the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player Award, and the AFL Players Association’s MVP Award, with the Brisbane Lions AFLW Best & Fairest on Wednesday night.

In an outstanding season, Bates averaged a career-high 21.3 disposals, 11.2 contested possessions, 7.1 tackles, and 5.6 clearances to be a reliable contributor in the Lions’ engine room throughout the season.

A breakout 2022 season saw clever forward Greta Bodey take home the Best & Fairest Runner-Up behind Bates.

With a career-high 13 goals and the Goal of the Year nomination in Round 3, as well as an average of 11.5 disposals, 2.6 marks, 3.3 tackles and 1.1 goals, Bodey asserted her position as a key figure in the Lions’ forward line.

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Best & Fairest: Emily Bates

Emily Bates finishes off the awards season with another best and fairest winning the Brisbane Lions top award.

Best First Year Player

She looked right at home from the moment she pulled on the maroon, blue and gold, and now it’s been recognised by her teammates with Lulu Pullar voted the Lions’ Best First Year Player.

The former soccer star impressed on debut in Round 5 against Collingwood, gathering seven touches and two tackles in her first outing as a Lion.

She went on to hold her position in the Lions’ defensive unit throughout the remainder of the season, putting together several strong performances including 10 disposals, six intercepts and five tackles against Melbourne in the Preliminary Final.

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LuLu: Playing on the Gabba Is a Dream Come True

For LuLu Pullar, running out onto the Gabba this weekend will be extra special, after years of being a fan on the sidelines of the stadium supporting the Lions.

All For One Award

A reliable and dedicated defender that demonstrates all the Club values of High Performance, Cutting Edge, Care and Connected, it’s little surprise that Nat Grider is the 2022 All for One Award winner.

Constantly looking for ways to take her game to the next level, Grider backed up her breakout 2021 season with an explosive 2022 that has seen her assert herself as one of the competition’s best defenders and earn her first All Australian blazer.

At just 21-years-old, Grider is already a leader on and off the field for the Lions, with her standout season showcasing her drive and dedication to become one of the best in the game.

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All For One Award: Nat Grider

All Australian Defender Nat Grider wins the All For One Award for demonstrating the Club Values of High Performance, Cutting Edge, Care and Connected.

Most Competitive Award

You might know her as the relaxed and fun-loving Belle Dawes, but on field the Sunshine Coast local showcased an on-field competitive spirit like none other this season, earning herself the Most Competitive Player Award.

Playing with a ruthless, merciless, aggressive and fierce attitude throughout the season, few attacked the game harder than Belle Dawes.

Her relentless persistence, willingness to take on the contest and sheer determination shone through in some of the Lions’ toughest games this season.

Most Relentless Award

A courageous and never-give-up attitude on and off the field has seen Taylor Smith awarded the Most Relentless Player Award.

In a difficult season that saw Smith without her late father supporting her in the stands, the 22-year-old continued to put her best game forward week-in, week-out, with a courageous and lionhearted attitude in the face of adversity.

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Smith goal continues Lions' hot start

Taylor Smith did it the hard way with this goal continuing her side's quick start to the match

 

Trademark Player Award

There’s nothing more rewarding than being recognised by your peers for your efforts, and this season, Cathy Svarc earnt the honour of being named the 2022 Trademark Player of the Year.

Formerly the Players’ Player Award, Svarc showcased the Lions team values on and off field throughout what was a challenging season.

A reliable contributor to the Lions midfield group, Svarc also took up a leadership position for the first time, joining the team’s eight person leadership group this season.

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Trademark player of the year: Cathy Svarc

Cathy Svarc wins the Trademark player of the year as voted on 'by' the players 'for' the players. This award is very proudly supported by the Brisbane Lions Supporters Club Sunshine Coast Inc.

Best Finals Player Award

A reliable and consistent performer all season long, Emily Bates took her game to another level during the Lions 2022 AFLW Finals campaign to earn herself the Best Final Player Award.

In the Lions’ emphatic 50-point Qualifying Final win over Collingwood, Bates gathered 18 possessions (12 contested), six clearances, six inside 50s, 369 metres gained and three score involvements.

Despite the disappointing loss to Melbourne in the Preliminary Final, Bates stood tall with one of her strongest games yet.

Collecting 20 possessions (13 contested),  a career-high 14 tackles, five clearances, five inside 50s, three intercepts and 383 metres gained, Bates left everything on the field in the Lions bid for a Grand Final position.